Kranshoek: A preview to the Otter Trail
This lookout is near the end of the trail, after about a four-hour walk.
Kranshoek 101
This is a day hike – actually half a day, unless you stop somewhere along the way for a break.
It’s a circular trail. The path starts at the picnic site, winds through indigenous forest and a beautiful kloof, descends steeply and then reaches a scenic beach. From there you hike along the beach, over rocky ridges and past small bays. Finally you swing back inland and go back up the hill. When you reach the crest, it’s about 2km further to the picnic site. Just before you get to it, there’s a lookout point that can be reached by car.
Time and distance?
The trail is about 9km from start to finish. Depending on how long you stop along the way for a picnic, a swim or to take pictures, it should take you between three and four hours.
Summer or winter?
Balmy spring and summer days (from September to April) are probably best, when it’s hot, but since it’s such a short route you can watch the weather forecast when you’re in the area and hike the trail on any clear day throughout the year.
How fit do you need to be?
The path is well laid out, with steps to help the hiker and prevent erosion. It’s generally well maintained. However, it’s pretty steep in places, and there’s a section where hikers have to clamber over rocks. If your knees are dodgy, best stay home.
And the kids?
Someone might have to carry a child for the last kilometre or two. Children older than eight years should be able to hike it comfortably, but then add an extra hour or two to the proposed hiking time and stop often to swim and explore rock pools. There is an escape route after 2km that takes you to the lookout point, but it’s very steep and if you turn off here you miss the section that runs along the coast.
Things to look for.
There are a few places along the path with beautiful views of the coastline. You might see whales in the deep or dolphins playing in the waves. In the kloofs you hike through indigenous bush, with clear streams for drinking water and a few pools where you can swim in summer. You’ll spot pretty mushrooms, but if you don’t know your fungi, it’s best not to try them on your ham sandwich. Scan the treetops for Knysna turacos. You’ll probably hear one before you see it: Listen for the “caw-caw-caw” – it sounds more animal-like than bird. You might also see an otter looking for crabs in a tidal pool. Some of the trees on the route have name tags. Look for them and try to identify a few indigenous species.
The best part?
After turning away from the coast for the last time, you walk back up the hill through the woods. At the top you look back over the beautiful route you covered way down below. The view is something special.
Might I get lost?
Not easily. The route is clearly demarcated and well maintained.
What to pack.
Drinking water – about 2ℓ should be plenty. There are streams from which you can drink, but it’s probably safest to bring your own water. It’s not absolutely necessary, but it’s always good to pack a snack. Have a picnic somewhere along the way. The first beach you encounter is sheltered and has a beautiful location. Remember your cozzie in summer – and, of course, sunblock and a hat. Also take your camera. You can post the pictures on Facebook and brag. Your friends will think you were deep in the wilderness. And, as with the Otter Trail, you can a explore the rock pools with a snorkel and mask.
Tips?
Take your time. It’s a lovely, easy trail, and there’s no reason to rush. There are pools in the streams where you can swim, the biggest where the path heads up the hillside from the beach. Start early when it’s still cool and linger down by the sea over lunchtime.
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